Olympic Peninsula: 3 Incredible Hikes to explore the amazing diversity the park has to offer

If you would care to see the Swiss Alps, Amazon Rain Forest, and a mysterious coastline all in one trip you should visit the Olympic National Park in the state of Washington.

The park covers almost one million acres of Olympic Peninsula, and features several distinct ecosystems, creating dramatically diverse and unforgettable landscapes.

Hurricane Hill Trail

Photo Credit: Sergey Ivannikov | Russian American Media

This 3.2 mile moderate day hike provides a breathtaking panoramic view of majestic Olympic Mountains with their white peaks topped with snow even during the summer time.

We stumbled upon a herd of wild mountain goats while hiking the Olympic Mountains. It’s fascinating how easily these huge creatures navigate the steep slopes!

Photo Credit: Sergey Ivannikov | Russian American Media

The trail starts at the Hurricane Ridge mountain area and provides stunning views of rolling peaks, lush valleys, and frequent encounters with wild white mounting goats and deer.

Photo Credit: Sergey Ivannikov | Russian American Media

Ruby Beach

Photo Credit: Sergey Ivannikov | Russian American Media

This is by far one of the most unconventional beaches you may ever see.

It is covered with piles of driftwood that have washed up to the shore from the nearby rain-forest. These huge logs lay around like matchsticks and look like bones of ancient whales picked clean by the ocean.

Photo Credit: Sergey Ivannikov | Russian American Media

The coastline is covered with rocks instead of sand and is complete with dramatic rock-like islands (sea stacks).

Photo Credit: Sergey Ivannikov | Russian American Media

Dense fog consumes the shore at sunset, giving this beach a cool and somewhat mysterious feel.

Photo Credit: Sergey Ivannikov | Russian American Media

Hoh Rain Forest

Photo Credit: Sergey Ivannikov | Russian American Media

Hoh is one of a few remaining temperate rainforests in the United States. It gets from 12 to 14 feet of rain per year which turns the forest into a fantasy green land with giant trees covered in dense moss beards and fern blankets. Several easy hikes start at the Hoh visitor center.

Good To Know

The rain-forest is the most enchanting in the springtime, when mosses and ferns look especially lush following the rainy season.